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"Hoill it look if that servant’s bandages bleed through and he drips blood on Conner’s dining table?"

"Coh "I’ll walk you to your room"

"You don’t have to I know the way"

"Saving you fro lost is not the reason I’m here Tell me, what did you think of the betrothed princess?"

"I think she loves Darius"

"There’s plenty of time for her to learn to love Jaron Besides, this is the way of life for royals They do their duty to their country, and if they are very lucky, it will so them happiness"

"I don’t want anyone to do their duty for rumbled "A charade like that is not for her"

"Conner is preparing you to wear a mask for the rest of your life," Mott said "It’s better that your queen pretends to love you, because if she truly did, she would only love a lie"

That hardlyon the bench just outside"Are you ill?" he askedpast hi"

Ironically, I did need help My shoulders and back had stiffened over the past few hours of standing, and with every ain When Errol returned with a tray of food severalon the floor with an unbuttoned shirt and vest

Errol set the tray on Tobias’s desk, and then silently went to the wardrobe to gather htclothes He was able to pull off , checked en is occupied at the dinner downstairs," he said "You must let me clean those wounds They look hot"

I leaned forward, which took less work than arguing He soaked a towel in the alcohol and pressed it to , then relaxed as it slowly passed

"Every servant at Farthenwood knows Tobias cut you," Errol murmured "I’d be surprised if the master doesn’t hear of it soon"

"The servants areto clie More than anyone knows"

"Then you obviously knohy Roden and Tobias and I are here Are Conner’s servants loyal to him, to this plan?"

"Shortly after you came, Conner i, how important it is to Carthya To be sure, he threatened us dearly if word of his plan leaks outside Farthenwood But he shouldn’t worry, nor should you This is a secret ill all carry to our graves If you are chosen as prince, I will treat you just as I would a true royal"

With that, he finished bandaging htclothes on and even fastened the

When he stood to leave, I said, "Thanks for helping tonight, Errol Thanks for helping every night I know I’y, sir Your dinner is on the desk there Good night"

I was in bed when Roden and Tobias came into the room Tobias entered more quietly than usual and lay down on his bed indifferently Roden crossed over to me and said, "Conner was furious that you didn’t return to the dining rooht now"

I groaned "How can he expect us to see ourselves as royalty when he treats us as slaves?"

Errol entered the rooe, but it’s true Conner has asked to see you Mott is waiting outside to take you to see him"

I winced as I rolled out of bed Errol held up clothes for ht, he’ll find htclothes"

"It’s inappropriate," Errol said

"And it’s indecent of him to summon me when he knows I’m asleep!"

I opened the door to leave, but Mott blocked the doorway and shook his head atyou to the master like that Allow Errol to dress you, or I’ll do it"